{"id":1365,"date":"2014-12-16T13:49:41","date_gmt":"2014-12-16T12:49:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.fr\/?p=1365"},"modified":"2025-01-25T11:38:46","modified_gmt":"2025-01-25T10:38:46","slug":"the-versteralen-islands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/en\/les-iles-versteralen\/","title":{"rendered":"The Verster\u00e5len Islands (Norway #2)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-dc8f8f4\" data-block-id=\"dc8f8f4\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Depart Harstad and enter the Vester\u00e5len islands<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">After a hearty breakfast, we leave Harstad for the Vester\u00e5len islands. About 3 hours of winding road await us, 170 km northwards, in the heart of an archipelago that covers a total area of 1,227 km\u00b2. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-a5e7d22\" data-block-id=\"a5e7d22\"><style>.stk-a5e7d22 {margin-bottom:50px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Separated from the mainland by an arm of the sea - the Norwegian Sea - the<strong>he Vester\u00e5len are already putting on a spectacular show along the way<\/strong> A journey of discovery: sparkling fjords, towering mountains and seemingly endless nature. The journey quickly becomes an adventure in itself, a real prelude to the wild beauty that awaits us in these northern lands.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<nav class=\"wp-block-stackable-table-of-contents stk-block-table-of-contents stk-block stk-750bc55 stk-block-background\" data-block-id=\"750bc55\"><style>.stk-750bc55 .stk-table-of-contents__table{column-count:1 !important;}html{scroll-behavior:smooth !important;}.stk-750bc55 .stk-table-of-contents__title{font-size:20px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #1f093c) !important;font-weight:bold !important;}.stk-750bc55 {background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-5, #e1e8ed) !important;border-top-left-radius:5px !important;border-top-right-radius:5px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:5px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:5px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:0px 5px 5px 1px #00000040 !important;border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #a6003c  ) !important;border-top-width:1px !important;border-right-width:1px !important;border-bottom-width:1px !important;border-left-width:1px !important;margin-bottom:50px !important;}.stk-750bc55:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-5, #e1e8ed) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-750bc55 .stk-table-of-contents__title{font-size:20px !important;}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-table-of-contents__title has-text-color\">Contents <\/p><ul class=\"stk-table-of-contents__table\"><li><a href=\"#1-quest-ce-quune-photo\">1. Departure for the Verster\u00e5len islands<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#strong-les-iles-vesteralen-refuge-naturel-et-richesse-historique-strong\">The Vester\u00e5len islands: a natural refuge and a wealth of history<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#lhistoire-de-la-peche-aux-iles-lofoten-entre-tradition-et-economie\">The history of fishing in Lofoten &amp; Verster\u00e5len: between tradition and economy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#2-safari-en-mer-de-norvege\">2. Norwegian Sea Safari<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-452ffad\" id=\"1-quest-ce-quune-photo\" data-block-id=\"452ffad\"><style>.stk-452ffad .stk-block-heading__bottom-line{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #a6003c  ) !important;}<\/style><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">1. Departure for the Verster\u00e5len islands<\/h2><div class=\"stk-block-heading__bottom-line\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Along the way, the magic is already happening. Every bend reveals grandiose panoramas: steep mountains plunging into crystal-clear waters, small fishing villages nestling in the depths of the fjords, and a light that mystifies and sublimates every detail of the landscape. This journey becomes an immersion in authentic Norway, where nature reigns supreme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-5fdba2d\" id=\"strong-les-iles-vesteralen-refuge-naturel-et-richesse-historique-strong\" data-block-id=\"5fdba2d\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>The Vester\u00e5len islands: a natural refuge and a wealth of history<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>The Vester\u00e5len islands are a true natural spectacle<\/strong>with <strong>their steep mountains rising straight out of the sea<\/strong>. Some slopes are covered in rough, wild rock, while others are dotted with tundra whose colours change with the seasons, and here and there, small white sandy beaches offer unsuspected havens of tranquillity. <strong>The contrast between the rugged terrain and the gentle beaches gives Vester\u00e5len a unique and authentic charm.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Thanks to their unique geology and unspoilt environment, <strong>the Vester\u00e5len is a bird sanctuary for a rich fauna <\/strong>and varied. Thousands of bird species have been recorded here, including the&nbsp;<strong>white-tailed eagle<\/strong>also known as the sea eagle, which enjoys strict protection. This majestic bird, one of the symbols of Nordic fauna, finds an ideal habitat here: around 50 % of the world population of this species nests on these islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lhistoire-de-la-peche-aux-iles-lofoten-entre-tradition-et-economie\" data-block-type=\"core\">The history of fishing in Lofoten &amp; Verster\u00e5len: between tradition and economy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">While the Vester\u00e5len islands shine with their wild character, the neighbouring islands of the&nbsp;<strong>Lofoten<\/strong>&nbsp;are notable for their fishing history, which dates back to the XII\u1d49 century. It was at this time that the&nbsp;<strong>dried cod<\/strong>&nbsp;allowed the islands to prosper, linking them to markets all over Europe. However, it was from 1860 onwards, with the massive arrival of shoals of herring attracted by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, that fishing really took off. At its peak, fishing on the Lofoten Islands accounted for almost&nbsp;<strong>80 % of Norwegian exports<\/strong>It has become a pillar of the country's economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">At that time, fishing harbours belonged to landowners who rented out&nbsp;<strong>rorbuer<\/strong>&nbsp;- These fishermen's huts on stilts still line the shores of Lofoten today. These rorbuer, typical of local architecture, offer an immersion in the traditional life of fishermen and are now often used as accommodation for travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Even today, fishing is still the main activity on the Lofoten Islands, particularly for the&nbsp;<strong>cod<\/strong>. Every winter, fishermen from all over northern Norway gather in the waters of Lofoten to catch thousands of tonnes of fish, which are then transported to the sea.&nbsp;<strong>salted and air-dried<\/strong>&nbsp;using ancestral methods. These huge wooden drying sheds, which can be seen in many villages, have become an inseparable symbol of the islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-ab13138\" data-block-id=\"ab13138\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-ab13138-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-260c0de\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"260c0de\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-260c0de-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-260c0de-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image stk-block stk-fabfcfd stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"fabfcfd\"><style>.stk-fabfcfd .stk-img-figcaption{text-align:center !important;font-size:12px !important;}.stk-fabfcfd {background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-5, #e1e8ed) !important;box-shadow:0px 70px 90px -20px #4849794d !important;}.stk-fabfcfd:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-5, #e1e8ed) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-fabfcfd .stk-img-figcaption{font-size:12px !important;}}<\/style><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-248681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/sechoir-a-morue-I-1.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" alt=\"cod drying shed, Vest\u00e9ralen Islands, Norway\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/sechoir-a-morue-I-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/sechoir-a-morue-I-1-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/span><figcaption class=\"stk-img-figcaption\"><em>Cod dryer<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-f009612\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"f009612\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-f009612-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-f009612-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image stk-block stk-7f10ae9 stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"7f10ae9\"><style>.stk-7f10ae9 .stk-img-figcaption{text-align:center !important;font-size:12px !important;}.stk-7f10ae9 {background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-5, #e1e8ed) !important;box-shadow:0px 70px 90px -20px #4849794d !important;}.stk-7f10ae9:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-5, #e1e8ed) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-7f10ae9 .stk-img-figcaption{font-size:12px !important;}}<\/style><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-248682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Sechoir-a-morue-II.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" alt=\"cod drying shed, Vest\u00e9ralen Islands, Norway\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Sechoir-a-morue-II.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Sechoir-a-morue-II-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/span><figcaption class=\"stk-img-figcaption\"><em><em>Cod dryer<\/em><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-91cf55a\" data-block-id=\"91cf55a\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Tourism is also developing strongly, especially in summer. The islands are particularly well-suited to climbing, hiking and \"nature sports\" in general. The setting <strong>The Lofoten Islands regularly feature in various lists of the world's most beautiful islands.<\/strong>. There's also the chance to watch the midnight sun from 27 May to 17 July.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-999cd54\" data-block-id=\"999cd54\"><style>.stk-999cd54 {margin-bottom:50px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Andenes, the most northerly village on the Verster\u00e5len islands, is the ideal starting point for sea safaris. Whales, sperm whales, killer whales and sea eagles are almost guaranteed to be spotted on every trip. (Here's the proof in just 1 outing)<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-72a16b6\" id=\"2-safari-en-mer-de-norvege\" data-block-id=\"72a16b6\"><style>.stk-72a16b6 .stk-block-heading__bottom-line{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #a6003c  ) !important;}.stk-72a16b6 {margin-bottom:23px !important;}<\/style><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">2. Norwegian Sea Safari<\/h2><div class=\"stk-block-heading__bottom-line\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Located at the northern tip of the Vester\u00e5len Islands,&nbsp;<strong>Andenes<\/strong>&nbsp;is a village that exudes authenticity and serenity, but which also hides a unique feature: <strong>it's one of the best places in the world to meet the giants of the seas<\/strong>. Here, the Arctic Ocean plunges to breathtaking depths, creating ideal conditions for observing an incredible diversity of marine life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-a284136\" data-block-id=\"a284136\"><style>.stk-a284136 {margin-bottom:50px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">The&nbsp;<strong>sea safaris<\/strong>&nbsp;are an unforgettable experience, where every outing is a promise of wonder. Whether it's crossing paths with&nbsp;<strong>whales<\/strong>and&nbsp;<strong>sperm whales<\/strong>and&nbsp;<strong>orcas<\/strong>&nbsp;or to admire the majesty of the&nbsp;<strong>white-tailed eagle<\/strong>&nbsp;in its natural habitat, the chances of sightings are exceptionally high. And if you have any doubts about this, you only need to go out once to be convinced: these waters are teeming with life, and the spectacle they offer will live long in the memory.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-8553767 stk-block-background\" data-block-id=\"8553767\"><style>.stk-8553767 {background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-5, #e1e8ed) !important;}.stk-8553767:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-5, #e1e8ed) !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-8553767-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-13a8778\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"13a8778\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-13a8778-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-13a8778-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image stk-block stk-966cd57 stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"966cd57\"><style>.stk-966cd57 .stk-img-figcaption{text-align:center !important;font-size:12px !important;}.stk-966cd57 {background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-5, #e1e8ed) !important;box-shadow:0px 70px 90px -20px #4849794d !important;padding-top:10px !important;padding-right:10px !important;padding-bottom:10px !important;padding-left:10px !important;margin-bottom:10px !important;}.stk-966cd57:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-5, #e1e8ed) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-966cd57 .stk-img-figcaption{font-size:12px !important;}}<\/style><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-248678\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Le-ballet-de-la-baleine-web850px.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" alt=\"The whale&#039;s ballet\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Le-ballet-de-la-baleine-web850px.jpg 850w, https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Le-ballet-de-la-baleine-web850px-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/span><figcaption class=\"stk-img-figcaption\"><em>The whale ballet<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-f7d3972\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"f7d3972\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-f7d3972-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-f7d3972-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image stk-block stk-2cf9c51 stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"2cf9c51\"><style>.stk-2cf9c51 .stk-img-figcaption{text-align:center !important;font-size:12px !important;}.stk-2cf9c51 {background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-5, #e1e8ed) !important;box-shadow:0px 70px 90px -20px #4849794d !important;padding-top:9px !important;padding-right:9px !important;padding-bottom:9px !important;padding-left:9px !important;margin-bottom:10px !important;}.stk-2cf9c51:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-5, #e1e8ed) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-2cf9c51 .stk-img-figcaption{font-size:12px !important;}}<\/style><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-257233\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Visite-de-lorque-web850px.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" alt=\"Barents Sea killer whale\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Visite-de-lorque-web850px.jpg 850w, https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Visite-de-lorque-web850px-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/span><figcaption class=\"stk-img-figcaption\"><em>Orca visit<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-a1a1cdb\" data-block-id=\"a1a1cdb\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">It was a busy day on the road, visiting the village and going out to sea. Next stop Kabelvag, the centre of the Lofotens.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-b2e7ce4\" data-block-id=\"b2e7ce4\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/en\/kabelvag-lofoten-norvege-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read more ... (Norway #3<\/a>)<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-69ae50d\" data-block-id=\"69ae50d\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">I invite you to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.com\/en\/-\/landscape-nature-travel-photos\/shop\/paysages\/norway\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">explore Norway in photos via my online galleries<\/a>,<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-bfe1138\" data-block-id=\"bfe1138\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">David<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After a hearty breakfast, we set off from Harstad for the Versteralen islands. Around 3 hours of winding roads await us on the islands, a further 170km to the north.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":5864,"featured_media":248675,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[354],"tags":[646,645,647],"class_list":["post-1365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-voyage","tag-lofoten","tag-norvege","tag-versteralen-2"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5864"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1365"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1365\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/248675"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dragonstreetphotography.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}